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List of AVB-capable Ethernet switches

Biamp uses the IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging (AVB) open standard to transmit AV traffic between Tesira devices. AVB is built in to Ethernet and incorporates other 802.1 standards for automatic VLAN configuration, automatic multicast address assignment, stream reservation, traffic shaping, guaranteed delivery and time synchronization. Like all 802.1 standards, AVB support is required on the switch.

All switches described in this article have been informally tested with Biamp Tesira products1. Due to differences in switch designs (switching capacity, CPU speed, etc.), each model has different abilities for the maximum number of AVB streams and devices it can manage. Contact the switch manufacturer for more detailed information.

Biamp strongly recommends use of Avnu Certified switches when using devices from different manufacturers. The Avnu Alliance is a community creating an interoperable ecosystem of low-latency, time-synchronized, highly reliable networked devices using open standards through certification. Devices that pass independent lab testing receive Avnu certification. Biamp Tesira AVB endpoints are Avnu Certified. See the Avnu Alliance website for a list of certified products.

Biamp

Tesira CONNECTTesiraCONNECT TC-5 is a 5-port expansion device for Biamp conferencing products. The TesiraCONNECT is placed at the center of any Biamp conference room to provide power and media streaming for Biamp components. TesiraCONNECT works out of the box with Biamp products, simplifying conference room deployments and avoiding additional setup steps required in traditional media switches. This small form factor device can be mounted behind a display, under the table, or simply sit in a rack or credenza in the room. TesiraCONNECT also connects multiple AVB enabled DSPs within a system. Supported topologies include the connection of up to 4 TesiraCONNECT devices in a single media network cluster. 

TesiraCONNECT TC-5D is also a 5-port expansion device with the same capabilites as the TC-5, enhanced with built in AVB and Dante interfaces. The TC-5D can be deployed in exactly the same ways as the TC-5. For more details specific to TC-5D, refer to this article

 

Model Ports 802.1at PoE+ Firmware AVB Stream Limit
TesiraCONNECT TC-5 5 AVB-capable 4 ports, 120W budget Tesira 3.12 or later 150 streams
TesiraCONNECT TC-5D 5 AVB-capable 4 ports, 120W budget Tesira 3.16 or later 150 streams

TesiraCONNECT devices allow for easy deployment of Tesira devices within conferencing spaces. TesiraCONNECT devices are not intended to be used for TesiraLUX video streaming, mixed protocol networks, campus-wide AVB media networks, and interoperability with other AVB device manufacturers, all of which require an Avnu-certified network switch. See the sections below for a listing of Avnu-certified switches.

See the TesiraCONNECT article for supported topologies and installation information. 

The NMS-NG10GPX-AVB switch is also available from Biamp. This is part of the Netgear M4250 AV Line and is listed below in the Netgear section with additional details.

Cisco

Cisco Catalyst 9300

AVB is supported on select models of the following Catalyst series.

Please always check Cisco AVB for current information and updates.

Please always reach out to Cisco Support assistance and further information.  

Catalyst 3650 Series Catalyst 3850 Series Catalyst 9300 Series Catalyst 9500 Series
Required license level:
ipbase or ipsevices
Required license level:
ipbase or ipsevices
Required license level:
Network Advantage
Required license level:
Network Advantage

Cisco minimum:

IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.7

Cisco minimum:

IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.7

Cisco minimum:

IOS XE Bengaluru 17.6.3

Cisco minimum:

IOS XE Bengaluru 17.6.3

C3650-24PDM
C3650-48FQM
C3650-8X24PD
C3650-8X24UQ
C3650-12X48FD
C3650-12X48UQ
C3650-12X48UR
C3650-12X48UZ
C3850-12X48U
C3850-24XU
C3850-12XS
C3850-16XS
C3850-24XS
C3850-32XS
C3850-48XS
All models. C9500-12Q
C9500-16X
C9500-24Q
C9500-40X

NOTE: The following Cisco models PTP is not supported on all ports.

  • C9300-48UXM only ports 1-16, 18-34, 36, 38, 44 support PTP. 
  • C9300-48UN only ports 1-36, 38 support PTP.

Catalyst 3650 and 3850 series switches have been certified by the Avnu Alliance.

Catalyst 9300 and 9500 series switches have been certified by the Avnu Alliance.

The following Cisco license levels are required for AVB support.

  • ipbase or ipservices license level for Catalyst 3000 family.
  • Network Advantage perpetual license for Catalyst 9000 family.
  • DNA Subscription license not required for AVB support.

The following Cisco IOS® XE Software release versions are required for AVB support.

  • IOS XE Gibraltar-16.12.7 for Catalyst 3000 family.
  • IOS XE Bengaluru 17.6.3 for the Catalyst 9000 family.

Cisco applies the following limitations when AVB is enabled:

  • AVB is not supported on StackWise connected switches. Fiber and copper uplinks are supported.
  • AVB is not supported on ports that are combined using link aggregation (EtherChannel).
  • Cisco published stream limit per switch is 200.  
  • Catalyst 9000 family does not support AVB on 100 Mbps connections. (All Biamp AVB devices are 1 Gbps.)

Please read the Cisco AVB FAQ for a complete list of questions and considerations for designing AVB enabled networks with Catalyst switching.

See Enabling AVB on Cisco Catalyst Switches for details on configuring the switch. For TesiraLUX support, please see our Video network design guide.

Extreme Networks

Extreme Summit X440Extreme Networks Avnu certified AVB-enabled switches include select Summit® series switches, and scale from Gigabit to 10/40GbE, copper/fiber, with or without PoE+. AVB support is available on Extreme Networks switches running ExtremeXOS® version 15.3 or later with the purchase of an AVB feature pack. Please contact Extreme Networks or Extreme Networks Channel Partners for more details.

Biamp recommends EXOS 22.7.1.2 (patch 1-8 ) for mixed media networks. The latest Extreme firmware recommendations are available at ExtremeXOS Release Recommendations. 

Extreme supports AVB on the following Summit series:

Summit Series Stream Limits
Summit X430 (EOL)

Required License: X430 AVB Multimedia Feature Pack

Note: The X430 only supports up to 8 connected AVB ports, regardless of switch size. AVB video streams are not recommended with this switch.
100
Summit X440, X440-G2

Required License: X440 Multimedia (AVB) Feature Pack (16523)

Note: The X440 first gen is not recommended with over 20 enabled AVB ports, regardless of switch size. If using an AMP-450P or TCM-1/TCM-1A, LLDP must also be enabled
Note: The X440-G2 24 and 48 port models support AVB on ports 1-24 and the rear SFP+ combo ports 51-52. AVB is not supported on ports 25-48, 49 or 50
1024
Summit X450-G2 

Required License: X450-G2 Multimedia (AVB) Feature Pack (16169)
1024
Summit X460, X460-G2

Required License: X460 Multimedia (AVB) Feature Pack (16426)

Note: If using an AMP-450P or TCM-1 family of products the X460, LLDP must also be enabled.
1024
Summit X620

Required License: X620 Multimedia (AVB) Feature Pack (17433)
1024
Summit X670, X670-G2

Required License: X670 Multimedia (AVB) Feature Pack (17135)
4096
Summit X770

Required License: X770 Multimedia (AVB) Feature Pack (17728)
1024

Note: 802.1X on dynamic VLAN (AVB) enabled ports is not supported by Extreme Networks. Control ports are supported.

For an introduction to using Extreme network switches, see Connecting to an Extreme switch. To enable AVB functions on Extreme networks switches, see Enable AVB on Extreme Network Switches. For TesiraLUX support, please see our Video network design guide.

Netgear

M4250 Pro AV Line

Netgear GS724TThe Netgear M4250 AV Line of switches contain a range of configurations that offer support for multiple audio and video Ethernet protocols, including AVB, Dante, and AES67. In addition to a wide variety of industry-standard networking features, this line of switches includes specific features tailored to the AV industry.

  • Switches are certified by the Avnu Alliance for AVB support.
  • Dedicated AV web-based GUI interface that allows the application of port-based profiles for different AV protocols to simplify switch configuration for different supported AV protocols.
  • Rear-facing ports to provide a clean AV installation. Reversed mounting is possible when required and a second pair of rack ears allows switches to be mounted recessed by 2-inches for cabling.
  • LEDs are provided both on the front panel and rear connections of the unit for enhanced status visibility.
  • Intelligent cooling management control used to minimize acoustic noise. Software-controlled fan adjustments enable the fans to be turned off when ambient temperature and PoE loads are appropriate for a totally fanless operation.
  • Dedicated console (serial and USB) and out-of-band network ports for configuration and management.
  • Support for web-based GUI or Command Line Interface configuration methods.
  • Support for up to 256 AVB streams.
Model Name Model Number # of Ports Port speed PoE Switching Fabric
M4250-16XF XSM4216F 16 x SFP+ 1G/10G No 320 Gbps
M4250-12M2XF MSM4214X 12 x RJ45
2 x SFP+
100/1G/2.5G
1G/10G
No 100 Gbps
M4250-10G2XF-PoE++ GSM4212UX 10 x RJ45
2 x SFP+
10/100/1G
1G/10G
720W (Ports 1-8) 60 Gbps
M4250-10G2F-PoE+ GSM4212P 10 x RJ45
2 x SFP
10/100/1G
1G
125W (Ports 1-8) 24 Gbps
M4250-10G2XF-PoE+ GSM4212PX 10 x RJ45
2 x SFP+
10/100/1G
1G/10G
240W (Ports 1-8) 60 Gbps
NMS-NG10GPX-AVB (Biamp) GSM4212PX      10 x RJ45       2 x SFP+ 10/100/1G      1G/10G 240W (Ports 1-8) 60 Gbps
M4250-26G4F-PoE+ GSM4230P 26 x RJ45
4 x SFP
10/100/1G
1G
300W (Ports 1-24) 60 Gbps
M4250-26G4XF-PoE+ GSM4230PX 26 x RJ45
4 x SFP+
10/100/1G
1G/10G
480W (Ports 1-24) 132 Gbps
M4250-26G4F-PoE++ GSM4230UP 26 x RJ45
4 x SFP
10/100/1G
1G
1,440W (Ports 1-24) 60 Gbps
M4250-40G8F-PoE+ GSM4248P 40 x RJ45
8 x SFP
10/100/1G
1G
480W (Ports 1-24) 96 Gbps
M4250-40G8XF-PoE+ GSM4248PX 40 x RJ45
8 x SFP+
10/100/1G
1G/10G
960W (Ports 1-40) 240 Gbps
M4250-40G8XF-PoE++ GSM4248UX 40 x RJ45
8 x SFP+
10/100/1G
1G/10G
2,880W (Ports 1-40) 240 Gbps

 

Notes:

GS7 Series

Netgear GS724TSelect models of the Netgear GS7-series support AVB functionality. All Netgear switches require an EAV license in order to use the AVB functionality. All GS724Tv4 switches that are purchased from Biamp Systems already have this license installed. Switches purchased from other vendors may require this license to be purchased and installed separately. All AVB-capable Netgear switches are shown in the table below:

Model Number # of Ports Port speed PoE Firmware Version Setup Instructions
GS716Tv3 16 1Gbps No 6.3.1.4 Link
GS724Tv3 (discontinued) 24 1Gbps No 5.0.3.5 Link
GS724Tv4 24 1Gbps No 6.3.1.4 Link
GS748Tv5 48 1Gbps No 6.3.1.4 Link

Note that the Netgear AVB switches cannot be used in conjunction with AVB switches from other manufacturers. When using Netgear AVB switches, all switches in the network that are used for AVB traffic must be the same manufacturer and model. Mixing the GS724Tv3 and GS724Tv4 models is unsupported.

The Netgear GS724Tv3 switch is discontinued and due to performance limitations, should no longer be used for current Tesira systems. It does not operate with the following Biamp products:

  • Parle microphones: TCM-1, TCM-1A, TCM-X, TCM-XA, TTM-X
  • AMP-450P and AMP-450BP
  • EX-UBT
  • TesiraLUX
  • TesiraXEL
  • TesiraFORTE X
  • TesiraFORTE Rev. B

Netgear switches are not Avnu certified and are suitable for small to mid-sized AVB implementations using legacy Tesira product. The use of a single switch for AVB device counts greater than 16 should be avoided regardless of port density, due to the high CPU demands placed on a switch in managing AVB streams and ports.

AVB video streaming using TesiraLUX is not supported on Netgear GS series switches.

Biamp dealers can purchase the Netgear GS724Tv4 switch from Biamp Systems, in which case the switch will be fully configured for AVB out of the box. Any switch not purchased from Biamp Systems will need to be configured for AVB (see Setup Instructions links in the table above).

GBIC Fiber Transceiver

The Netgear GS7xxT switches include two GBIC ports for fiber optic connections. Compatible GBIC modules for these switches include:

  • Netgear AGM731F : 1000BASE-SX (Multi mode; up to 550m with 50/125 cable, up to 275m with 62.5/125 cable)
  • Netgear AGM732F : 1000BASE-LX (Single mode; up to 10km with 9/125 cable)
  • Netgear AGM733 : 1000BASE-ZX (Single mode; up to 70km with 9/125 cable)
  • Avago AFBR-5715APZ
  • Diablo Cable GE-SFP-SX - Multi mode 2Km Item # 18530
  • Diablo Cable GE-SFP-LX/LH Single mode - 10Km Mini GBIC Item # 18531

Luminex

GigaCore.pngThe following models of Luminex GigaCore switches are Avnu Certified for AVB interoperability. GigaCore Firmware 2.8.0 is required for AVB support. All GigaCore switches have standard and PoE+ variants. All copper and fiber ports are 1G maximum. 

Model Ports PoE+ Budget Firmware
GigaCore 10 8x etherCON RJ45, 2x rugged fiber Optional 130W 2.8.0
GigaCore 12 12x etherCON RJ45 Optional 160W 2.8.0
GigaCore 14R 12x etherCON RJ45, 2x SFP Optional 160W 2.8.0
GigaCore 16RFO 12x etherCON RJ45, 4x rugged fiber Optional 160W 2.8.0
GigaCore 16Xt 12x etherCON RJ45, 4x SFP Optional 160W 2.8.0
GigaCore 26i 24x RJ45, 6x SFP Optional 370W  2.8.0

GigaCore 2.8.0 release applies the following limitations when AVB is enabled:

  • PTPv2 is disabled in every group
  • MultiLinkX (link aggregation) is disabled
  • VID 2 is not permitted for a group
  • Only use 100Mbps/1Gbps FDX port links
  • AVB can only be active in one group
  • Jumbo frames are disabled switch wide
  • Copper SFP modules are not supported

See Enabling AVB on Luminex GigaCore switches for instructions on configuring the switch. For TesiraLUX support, please see our Video network design guide.

L-Acoustics

L-Acoustics LS-10 front rear.pngThe L-Acoustics LS10 is a plug-and-play 10-port Avnu certified AVB enabled switch offering support for up to 150 AVB streams. The switch features a 5 second boot time.

The LS10 is a 10-port switch, all ports are 1Gbps. 8 ports are RJ-45 EtherCON jacks (supports standard CAT-5 or EtherCON connectors), the remaining 2 ports are SFP cages supporting either 1Gbps copper or 1Gbps fiber GBICs. The LS10 does not provide PoE or PoE+ on any port. 

L-Acoustics Network Manager software is used to access the switch interface for firmware updates, configuration, and monitoring. The switch allows configuration of RSTP and for customization of propagation delay threshold settings. A GPIO connection allows remote fault monitoring of the switch. 

The LS10 features an internal mains power supply (100VAC-240VAC / 50Hz-60Hz) and both accepts and provides 24VDC backup power to/from another LS-10. There is an accessory single rack space (1 RU) shelf which allows 1 or 2 LS10 switches per shelf. 

Further details on integrating L-Acoustics AVB devices with Tesira can be found in our article on L-Acoustics AVB

MOTU

MOTU AVB SwitchBiamp recommends the Biamp TesiraCONNECT TC-5 for new installations. The TesiraCONNECT TC-5 provides 5 ports capable of AVB streaming and eliminates the need for injectors by providing PoE+ on 4 of the ports without any power budget limitation. 

MOTU offers a 5-port AVB switch that has been confirmed to work with AVB-enabled Biamp Tesira devices. The model number of the switch is simply "AVB Switch". See MOTU's website for more information.

Biamp has informally tested the switch and determined that it is capable of handling at least 36 AVB streams, for a total of 144 AVB audio channels. There may be additional channel/stream restrictions on networks that consist of multiple MOTU switches.

The MOTU switch should only be used primarily for small installations with relatively light AVB usage. Biamp does not recommend building larger AVB networks using multiple MOTU switches connected directly to each other, or using the MOTU switch in systems with heavy AVB usage. The MOTU switch cannot be used in conjunction with a Netgear AVB switch or switches from other vendors. Fiber media converters are not supported.

AVB video streaming using TesiraLUX is not supported on MOTU switches.

Control4/Pakedge

Pakedge S3Note: Pakedge S3-24P and S3L-24P switches have been discontinued and are no longer available for purchase.

Select models of the Control4/Pakedge S3-series are Avnu certified and AVB-enabled. AVB licensure is included with the switch firmware at purchase or with firmware update. All Avnu certified AVB-enabled Pakedge switches are shown in the table below:

Model

# of Gigabit Copper Ports PoE+ Budget # of 10 Gigabit SFP+ Ports Network Stream Limit
S3-24P (EOL) 24 370W 4 225
S3L-24P (EOL) 24 370W 4 70

For further details on enabling AVB on Pakedge S3 series switches, please visit the Pakedge AVB configuration and resources page. For TesiraLUX support, please see our Video network design guide.

Media Converters

AVB can be converted to run over fiber optic cables using media converters. However, it is important to use true media converters that do not have integrated Ethernet switches built into them. The following media converters have been informally tested with Tesira products:1

  • Diablo Cable 18243 - 1310nm / 10KM GBIC 10/100/100Base TX to 1000Base FX

(Please ensure the unit is used in 'converter' mode rather than 'switch' mode. SW-1 should be set to OFF, SW-2 should be set to ON.)

  • Luxcom OM1000E - 1000BASE-T to 1000BASE-X
  • TP-Link MC220L

Peer Delay adjustments required when using media converters

The length of the fiber line and media converter will have an impact on propagation delay. If the link propagation delay exceeds the peer delay threshold, AVB clocking will not function correctly and ports will report AS-incapable. Both the switch and Tesira must have their peer delay threshold configured to account for the media conversion. The link propagation delay should be checked in the switch, and a peer delay value greater than the propagation delay should be entered. The peer delay values do not need to match on both ends, as long as both are greater than the propagation delay. 

The default peer delay threshold in Tesira is 1200ns. The peer delay threshold in Tesira is configurable up to 2,147,483,647 nanoseconds.

The TTP query DEVICE get ptpInfo can be used to see the measured pdelay value on each Tesira device's AVB interface. The device's current setting is shown as "neighborPropDelayThreshholdNs":1200 and the measured value over an AVB link is shown as "neighborPropDelayNs":16 where the value returned is the propagation delay in ns. If the measured value exceeds the default 1200 ns it is generally safe to use 1.5 times the measured value as the new pdelay value. This can be edited in the Device Maintenance > Network Settings > AVB Settings options for each device. 

clipboard_ee8330206bf0db2727ed87e241578bd2c.png

MOTU AVB switches do not have a configurable peer delay and should not be used with fiber media converters.

Note: The use of media converters is not supported to extend Qt X controllers in the field from core switch locations beyond 100m. Qt X controllers have a fixed peer delay setting of 1200ns which is exceeded when using fiber media converters. AVB traffic will not flow if this propagation delay is exceeded. 

TesiraLUX 10GB SFP+ modules

TesiraLUX IDH-1 and OH-1 have a 10G AVB SFP+ port, in addition to a 1G AVB copper port.

TesiraLUX should support any 10GBASE- standard SFP+ transceiver module from a reputable manufacturer. It's strongly recommended to use the same module on both ends of the cable (e.g. Extreme SFP+s on both ends, etc.). Check with the switch manufacturer to see if there are any limitations on their end with respect to supported modules.

TesiraLUX supports single mode or multi-mode fiber. Generally SMF (single mode fiber) is overkill for short distances but otherwise works fine. Distance limitations will depend on the laser wavelength and power of the transceiver module installed which, in turn, defines the necessary fiber construction. For many new installations, 10GBASE-SR (short run) with low cost MMF (multi mode fiber) will work fine. Check with the SFP+ module manufacturer for specifications unique to their product prior to installation.

TesiraLUX only supports 10G link speeds on the SFP+ port. Use the 1GB copper port for 1GB connections. TesiraLUX does not allow dynamic switching between the copper and fiber port; it will only use one of the two ports.

If an AV Input block is in a 10G Video Partition, it will always utilize the 10G fiber optic port on the IDH-1, even if the required bandwidth is below 0.75Gbps.

Further Reading

 

1. Manufacturer specifications can change without notice. Biamp Systems strives to keep this list up to date, but is not always made aware of changes made by third parties to the Ethernet switches referenced, and therefore Biamp Systems cannot guarantee compatibility with any of the products listed on this page.

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